Registration is open!
Dates
June 10 to October 13, 2024
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Saturday/Sunday - Long Runs
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Wednesday - Track Workouts
Description
Group training program targeting the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and other fall marathons
Locations
City Locations: Downtown, Montrose Beach, Lincoln Park
Suburban Locations: Darien, Libertyville, Niles, Oak Forest, Schaumburg, Wheaton
Overview
The marathon is challenging, but CARA's Power of the Group™ will provide you the support, community, and accountability you need to successfully reach the finish line.
In 2023, CARA trained 2,434 runners for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon - our largest number of training participants in CARA history!
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As Chicago's premier group training program, we have helped tens of thousands of runners successfully complete their goals. Whether you're a newcomer or experienced runner, our program provides training plans that meet you where you're at.
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You will never have to go it alone. Your pace group leaders and fellow participants will give you the Power of the Group™ that has led CARA runners to the finish line more than any other program in Chicagoland running.
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Your training program is led by CARA coaches who have national certifications and years of proven coaching success long before we bring them into CARA.​​
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6-week pre-season training guide to prepare you for the season
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18-week training plan with six options (Run/Walk, Novice I, Novice II, Intermediate, Advanced, Advanced II)
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Training guide and weekly education newsletters
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Video guided marathon strength training plan
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Group training long Runs
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(Saturday & Sunday options) led by group leaders for 7:30 to 11:30 pace/per mile run, and 12:00 to 13:00 pace/per mile run/walk.
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Please review the full list of paces offered at each location HERE​
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Coach led track workouts (Wednesdays)
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Hydration support at training runs: Water and Gatorade Endurance
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Ready to Run 20 Miler entry included (For in-person group training and virtual local options only)
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Access to the Marathon VIP Experience on Bank of America Chicago Marathon race day
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Private toilet access at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon start corrals
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CARA Training Tank and Ready to Run 20 Miler Finishers Shirt
Important Program Dates:
April 29: Pre-season guide begins
June 1: Packet Pickup Begins
June 10: Training program begins
June 12: First group track workout
June 15: First group long run
June 30: Packet Pickup Ends
September 22: Ready to Run 20 Miler
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October 13th: PUMA's Marathon VIP and Bank of America Chicago Marathon
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Target Race/s:
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Bank of America Chicago Marathon
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Training plan adjustments are available for other fall marathons by request. Email training@cararuns.org
Group Long Run Locations
CARA training group long runs are offered at locations throughout the city and suburbs. Participants have access to all locations through the season and are not restricted to only their primary registration choice. (Click location maps for google map). 2023 training sites are listed below. To see what pace groups are offered at each location, CLICK HERE.
Chicago - Downtown
Monroe Harbor
Saturdays 6:00 a.m.
Chicago - Lincoln Park
Diversey Harbor
Saturdays 6:00 a.m.
Chicago - Montrose
Montrose Beach
Saturdays 6:00 a.m.
Saturdays 6:30 a.m.
Sundays 6:30 a.m.
Darien
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
Saturdays 7:00 a.m.
Libertyville
Old School Forest Preserve
Saturdays 6:45 a.m.
Niles
Bunker Hill Forest Preserve
Saturdays 7:00 a.m.
Oak Forest
Yankee Woods
Saturdays 6:50 a.m.
Schaumburg
Busse Woods Forest Preserve
Saturdays 6:30 a.m.
Wheaton
IL Prarie Path / Mariano's
Saturdays 6:15 a.m.
Group Track Workout Locations
CARA training group track workouts are offered at locations throughout the city and suburbs. Participants have access to all locations through the season. 2024 locations are listed below.
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Wednesdays @ 6:00 a.m. at Lake Shore Park Track (Chicago)
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Wednesdays @ 5:30 p.m. at Shepard High School Track (Palos Heights)
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Wednesdays @ 6:00 p.m. at Dunbar (Paul Laurence) Park Track (Chicago)
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Wednesdays @ 6:00 p.m. at Thomas Jefferson Jr. High School (Woodridge)
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Wednesdays @ 6:30 p.m. at Ost Field Park Track (Palatine)
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Wednesdays @ 6:30 p.m. at Montrose Beach Wilson Track (Chicago)
Program Coaches
James Diamond
Head Coach
Coach Bio
Athletic Achievements:
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NCAA Student Athlete (2013-2017)
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10,000m- 32:54
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Performance Running Outfitters Racing Team (2019-2021)
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Mile- 4:33, 5,000m- 15:43, Half Marathon- 1:14:35
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CARA Racing Team (2024-Present)
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8,000m- 27:19, Marathon- 2:43:22
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Coaching Roles:
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Lisle High School Assistant Cross Country (2016)
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Carthage Run Club Head Coach (2016-2017)
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Wisconsin Lutheran College Assistant Cross Country/Track & Field Coach (2017-2019)
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Rockford University Head Cross Country Coach (2019-2023)
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Rockford FIRE Head Track & Field Coach(2021-2022)
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Chicago Area Runners Association Manager of Coaching and Training (2023-Present)
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Coaching Achievements:
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14x All-Conference Honors, 4xConference Champions, 1x All-Region within distance events (Wisconsin Lutheran 2017-2019)
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Started the “Warrior Youth Running Camp.” (Wisconsin Lutheran 2018)
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5th & 10th fastest women’s Cross Country times in school history (Rockford University 2020 & 2022)
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Men’s school record in 400m hurdles (Rockford University 2021)
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Highest men’s team at the conference & regional cross country championships in 10 years (Rockford University 2022)
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2 All-Conference Cross Country athletes (Rockford University 2020-2021)
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31 national qualifiers across 47 events (Rockford FIRE 2021-2022)
Volunteer
CARA training programs rely on dedicated volunteer site coordinators, group leaders, and coaches to support program participants, and provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Site coordinators are recruited from experienced program group leaders. Those interested in becoming a site coordinator now, or in the future as openings are available, should contact CARA Executive Director Tim Bradley (tim@cararuns.org).
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Group leaders are the backbone of CARA training programs. Group leaders keep runners safe, organized, on-pace, and motivated during training runs. Those interested becoming a group leader can learn more HERE.
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Coaches are needed to support CARA track workouts. Experienced coaches may be tabbed with leading a workout, where others can assist with workout organization and timing while learning. Those interested in becoming a coach or assistant coach should contact CARA Executive Director Tim Bradley (tim@cararuns.org).​
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Hydration Volunteers are needed to support hydration stations at training locations. Volunteers may volunteer for a single date, or a season. Interested volunteers can check out opportunities on our volunteer page.